Italy’s cultural allure has attracted expats from across the globe for centuries, beckoning them with sunshine and good food.
For many, however, the move presents a real challenge due to bureaucratic issues running deep within the country.
A recent first-hand account has painted a stark picture of the reality of dealing with Italian bureaucracy.
Brad, who set up the YouTube channel Bradsworld, revealed that his family had to wait more than 400 days for their residency cards to arrive.
Brad warned others about the slow bureaucratic procedures in Italy
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“We moved to Italy more than a year ago and finally our residency cards are waiting over 400 days!” he shared in a clip.
“Everything you hear about how difficult the government system here is true… Maybe worse!”
Systematic issues in the country run deep, particularly within government agencies, according to the expatriate.
“If you send an email to a state agency – or a government agency – there’s a very good chance you’re not going to get a response”, Brad explained.
The solution to these problems lies in having informal connections, according to Brad.
“You [must] know a guy who knows a guy, or you know a girl who knows a guy who knows a guy who knows a girl. It really is how things are run here”, he revealed.
Natalia Romashko echoed these thoughts in a clip highlighting problematic elements about Italian life, claiming it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.
Natalia experienced these problems first-hand while applying for a residence permit which took months to complete.
For many the relocation process ultimately proves worthwhile
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She warned this could cause major inconveniences for anyone with trips planned soon after their arrival, as they won’t be permitted to leave without the right paperwork.
Despite the notorious red tape, those who brave the move report that the daily experience of Italian life makes the administrative hurdles worthwhile.
Though “stressful and tiring and expensive”, the relocation process ultimately proved worthwhile for Brad and his family.
“The daily living here is awesome and we couldn’t be happier about making the move,” noted Brad. “It has been stressful and tiring and expensive to do, but we are glad we did it!”
